Malnutrition, street begging on focus as Nigerians mark Children’s Day

The ActionAid Nigeria (AAN), Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED), and presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, have called for strategic approaches to ameliorate the plights of almajiri and other children in the country.

They made the call in separate statements on Tuesday on the occasion of the 2025 National Children’s Day.

The Country Director of AAN, Mr Andrew Mamedu, said that it is important for all to protect the future of the Nigerian child.

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In a separate statement, Hajiya Furera Isiaka, the Programme Communications Officer of CHRICED, demanded urgent action to end malnutrition, street begging, and reform of the almajiri system.

He said that while some celebrate in joy, countless others -especially in Northern Nigeria- suffer from chronic malnutrition, forced street begging, and systemic neglect that robs them of education, dignity, and hope.

“The time for mere rhetoric has passed. The federal, state and local governments, alongside traditional and religious leaders, must rise to the occasion and implement lasting solutions,” Mrs Isiaka said.

Speaking on street begging and the almajiri system, the CHRICED official noted that the system of religious learning has turned to systemic neglect of the almajirai.

She among others called strict enforcement of regulations in informal education centers, guaranteeing minimum standards for food, shelter, supervision and protection; comprehensive data systems to track and support Almajiri and street children, ensuring policy efforts are evidence-based and measurable; and investment in rehabilitation and reintegration, including psychosocial support, education, vocational training, and safe spaces to prepare children for productive futures.

Also speaking on his X handle, Obi said every Nigerian child is the heartbeat of the nation and the bearer of the collective hopes and dreams.

He said that Nigeria cannot ignore the threats posed by violence, kidnapping, and abuse, as insecurity has forced thousands of children to flee their homes, live in fear, or grow up in regions where dreams are stifled by conflict. Most children are forced, by these harsh realities, to abandon their dreams and survive by any means.

The Speaker, Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Danladi Jatau, has called for the abolition of child labour, out-of-school children, street begging and hawking across the 13 local government areas of Nasarawa State, among other acts detrimental to the growth and existence of children in the society.

Jatau stated this in a statement issued by his Press Secretary, Jibrin Gwamna, to mark the occasion of this year’s Children’s Day celebration in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital, on Tuesday.

Tinubu, govs pledge commitment to children’s rights

Meanwhile, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and some governors have expressed commitment to the growth, welfare, and protection of the rights of children across the country.

The president, in his message on the occasion of the 2025 National Children’s Day, pledged to eradicate bullying and protect Nigerian children.

Tinubu, who said violence against children and neglect had no place in Nigeria, described the Nigerian child as the pride and future of the nation.

He reaffirmed his “Commitment to nurturing and protecting Nigeria’s future leaders, innovators, and changemakers.”

The president said as the custodians of tomorrow’s promise, innovation, and leadership, he was committed to “Safeguarding every Nigerian child, protecting his rights, and nurturing his dreams.”

He said, “This year’s theme, ‘Stand Up, Speak Up: Building a Bullying-Free Generation,’ could not have been more timely as it spoke directly to the culture being currently built.

President Tinubu explained that this included “A culture where every child feels safe, respected, and heard, both in physical spaces and digital communities. Just to be clear, violence, bullying, and neglect have no place in the Nigeria of today.”

The president, who was represented by the FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, announced the full implementation of the National Plan of Action on Ending Violence Against Children (2024–2030).

He said this comprehensive roadmap was aimed at preventing abuse, prosecuting perpetrators, and supporting victims. The plan is backed by robust financing and multi-sectoral coordination.

The FCT Women Affairs Mandate Secretary, Dr. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi called for bullying-free schools and full implementation of the Child Rights Act.

Bauchi State governor, Bala Mohammed, has tasked stakeholders on child development to rise up and take decisive action to stem the unacceptable cases of violence and intimidation against children.

The governor threw the challenge on Tuesday during the 2025 National Children’s Day Celebration held at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium, Bauchi.

Represented by his Deputy, Mohammed Auwal Jatau, the governor explained that the task became imperative as his administration was committed to protecting the rights and privileges of all children towards creating awareness on the negative impact of bullying on individuals and communities, and educating children and parents to recognize and prevent bullying behaviour.

Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State has reiterated his administration’s commitment to safeguarding the rights and welfare of children, recognising them as the “most sacred trust” and future leaders.

In a Children’s Day message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Humwashi Wonosikou, the governor said his government would persist in developing “Relevant policies, programmes and projects towards ensuring children are protected from harm and neglect.”

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to creating a supportive and secure environment for every child in Kwara State.

In a statement marking the 2025 Children’s Day, the governor underscored the need for collective action in safeguarding the future of the younger generation.

Ekiti State governor, Mr.  Biodun Oyebanji, has congratulated children in the state as they celebrate this year’s Children’s Day.

Governor Oyebanji said his administration appreciated the value of children and would stop at nothing to invest in their human capital development for them to be well positioned as leaders and frontliners in different spheres of life.

The Edo State governor, Monday Okpebholo, has charged parents and guardians to dissuade their children from joining cult groups with a view to having a better future.

The governor has gifted N5 million each to two female students of the state’s public school who excelled in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Quiz competition.

To commemorate the 2025 Children’s Day, the Gombe State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Asma’u Muhammad Iganus, on Monday, visited four orphanage homes in the state.

Don’t stay silent when bullied – Ogun govt

Ogun State government has described bullying as “A silent saboteur of dreams and a smuggler of scars into souls”, urging children to speak up when bullied at any time.

The Commissioner of Women Affairs and Social Development, Motunrayo Adijat Adeleye, said this in Abeokuta on Tuesday during the 2025 Children’s Day Celebration.

The House of Representatives has called on the federal government to place greater priority on policies that enhance the health, education, and overall welfare of Nigerian children, particularly those living in rural and underserved communities.

The Acting National Chairman of the Labour Party, Senator Nenadi Usman, has called for collective efforts towards building a society where honesty is encouraged and upheld as the highest standard for the sake of Nigerian children.

She made the call on Tuesday on her X handle, marking this year’s Children’s Day.

NACA tasks stakeholders on mother to child transmission of HIV

The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has called on all stakeholders to reaffirm their commitment to safeguarding the health and future of Nigerian children by strengthening efforts to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV.

The Director General of the agency, Dr. Temitope Ilori, in a statement on Tuesday, said every child deserves a healthy start to life, but that despite significant progress, thousands of children in Nigeria are still born with HIV each year, a preventable tragedy.

Contributions from By Baba Martins, Hussein Yahaya, Itodo Daniel Sule, Abbas Jimoh, Ojoma Akor, Maureen Onochie, Al-Mustapha A. Mustapha (Abuja), Hassan Ibrahim (Bauchi), Amina Abdullahi (Yola), Mumini Abdulkareem (Ilorin), Raphael Ogbonnaiye (Ado-Ekiti), From Usman A. Bello (Benin), Rabilu Abubakar (Gombe), Peter Moses (Lagos) & Umar Muhammed (Lafia)